In the bustling streets of Bhubaneswar, an ordinary tea seller is demonstrating extraordinary compassion through his remarkable dedication to social service. Shiba Shankar Jena, who runs a modest OMFED tea stall near the RTO office in Suka Vihar, has been quietly transforming lives in his community for over a decade through systematic philanthropy.
A Decade of Dedicated Giving
For the past ten years, Jena has followed a unique financial discipline that would put many corporate social responsibility programs to shame. He saves every rupee earned on New Year's Day and dedicates half of his earnings throughout January toward various social causes. This amounts to an impressive annual contribution ranging between Rs 17,000 to Rs 20,000 - a significant sum for a small tea vendor supporting a family of four.
What makes his story even more compelling is the diversity of causes he supports. From purchasing books for children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to providing wheelchairs for differently-abled individuals, from organizing free food distribution in temples and hospitals to installing public dustbins across the city - Jena's philanthropy knows no bounds. In 2024 alone, he provided educational materials to numerous children living in the slum area where he resides.
Roots of Compassion in Personal Struggle
The seeds of Jena's generosity were sown in the harsh soil of personal hardship. When he was just 11 years old, his father - a local snacks seller - passed away, leaving the family in dire circumstances. With the support of his mother, he opened a tea stall in their locality a few years later to sustain the family.
"There were many nights when he slept on an empty stomach," Jena recalls of those difficult early years. While his siblings attended school, the young boy shouldered the responsibility of running the family business. These experiences of deprivation ultimately shaped his resolve to help others. "By the time I reached my 30s, I decided to help at least one person so that he or she does not suffer like I did," he explains.
Strategic Social Interventions
Jena's approach to charity is both practical and impactful. He doesn't just donate money randomly but identifies specific needs through his daily interactions while selling tea. "While selling tea, I keep looking for such people," he says, referring to those who need assistance the most.
His strategic thinking is evident in his contributions to healthcare infrastructure. Three years ago, he made a significant donation of Rs 18,350 to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) - money he earned by volunteering for COVID-19 vaccine trials over nine months. Even before that pandemic-era contribution, he had donated an entire month's earnings to the CMRF with a specific request: to repair the defunct CT scan machine at Capital Hospital.
This particular donation was prompted by a personal experience. "I had taken a boy to the Capital Hospital after he injured himself while playing in our basti. His labourer parents were away at work," Jena remembers. "But at the hospital, doctors told us that the CT scan machine was defunct, forcing us to visit a private hospital. Since not every person like us can afford private hospitals, I had decided to give my month's savings and some money I made from selling home-cooked food to repair the CT scan machine."
Family Support Enables Continued Service
Behind every great humanitarian effort stands a supportive family, and Jena's story is no exception. His mother, wife, and son live with bare minimum facilities in their slum residence, understanding that their modest lifestyle enables Jena to continue his social contributions. This family sacrifice makes his annual donations even more meaningful.
Despite his limited resources, Jena undertakes at least one significant project or helps a needy family every year. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: "The amount I manage to save in a month isn't much but it can make a small difference in the lives of people who need it the most."
From installing 18 dustbins throughout the city to his ongoing educational support for slum children, Jena proves that one doesn't need wealth to make a difference - just willpower, compassion, and systematic effort. His tea stall has become more than a business; it's a beacon of hope for Bhubaneswar's underprivileged communities, demonstrating that true humanity often brews in the most unexpected places.
